Elusive In Paris stretches out well to beat Strike Action and Samollie© Photo Healy Racing
When front-runner Kingdomforthebride edged away from the rail up the straight Niall McCullagh didn't need a second invitation on favourite Elusive In Paris The former course and distance winner got to the front over a furlong out and he stayed on well in the dundalkstadium.com Handicap to account for the fancied top-weight Strike Action (7s this morning into 9/2) by a length and a half.
A gamble on Ger Lyons' The Kernigal (16s into 5s) failed to pay off for those involved and he faded from over a furlong out to finish tenth whilst the admirably consistent Samollie again got into the money in finishing third.
Elusive In Paris has two wins and three third placings to his name now on the polytrack but his trainer Michael Grassick is keen to see the Joe Keeling-owned Elusive City gelding back on turf.
Grassick said: "He didn't settle the last day and I felt going a stronger pace over seven furlongs would suit him.
"I'm keen to get him back on grass but there have been very few opportunities over this trip.
"Ground is the key to him as he needs good ground.
"Every time he goes a mile he's too free." (AM & EM)
